[epicdweeb]

I've been out of college for 11 years, but with bad social anxiety I've had no luck starting a career. I've only had jobs that a temp agency would send me directly to without an interview. They were all data entry jobs that didn't require any experience. My degree is in accounting, but after many interviews in the field I feel like it's not even a good fit for me. Plus at this point I don't think anyone wants to hire someone who got their degree 11 years ago and has never had a job related to it. A while ago my doctor suggested I look into vocational rehab. I've been meaning to call but keep putting it off due to anxiety (I have a severe phone phobia). Does anyone here have any experience with vocational rehab? What could I expect? Would they help me choose a different career path and send me back to school? Would they tell me there's nothing they can do for me?

Thanks!

[Grey Matter]

I was in a vocational rehab for about a month a year or so ago. Honestly; I hated it. They would lie and tell me they found jobs for me when they didn't. My counslers didn't understand why it was difficult for me to find a job; even though it was clearly stated that I entered the program due to severe social anxiety and anxiety/panic disorder. It seems like the people who worked where I went weren't trained to help me, but rather trained to keep me as long as possible so they themselves could get paid.

I left after that month and don't regret it. But everyone, and every VR is different. I think your best bet is searching for reviews for the program that you want to enter. Give it a go and see how you feel. Good luck with everything.

[epicdweeb]

Thank you. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I don't know about my area, but I have read that a lot of these people are just paper pushers. I guess I should at least give it a try.

[gnat]

I used to work in vocational rehab, only for people with physical injuries. Like with anything else there are good ones an bad ones. I would imagine a good one would start with determining what you can do with your anxiety and doubt they would send you for more schooling.

Have you ever considered volunteering? It can help you deal with your anxiety, show potential employers you can handle working, and can help with networking. Just a thought.

[epicdweeb]

I finally called today and will be attending an informational session next week to learn more about it.

I've thought about volunteering, just never got around to doing it. It's a good idea though. Thanks.

[What is Love]

Originally Posted by epicdweeb

I've been out of college for 11 years, but with bad social anxiety I've had no luck starting a career. I've only had jobs that a temp agency would send me directly to without an interview. They were all data entry jobs that didn't require any experience. My degree is in accounting, but after many interviews in the field I feel like it's not even a good fit for me. Plus at this point I don't think anyone wants to hire someone who got their degree 11 years ago and has never had a job related to it. A while ago my doctor suggested I look into vocational rehab. I've been meaning to call but keep putting it off due to anxiety (I have a severe phone phobia). Does anyone here have any experience with vocational rehab? What could I expect? Would they help me choose a different career path and send me back to school? Would they tell me there's nothing they can do for me?

Thanks!

Hey I have recently and they were very helpful to me. Unlike you I didn't go to college unlike most in my generation. Instead left with my ex husband early and started my own business at 18 yrs old. Left him after half my life and started over with nothing! The Rehab Voc was helpful to me, because they gave me some very good ideas and helped me to finally recently start college!

[redbandit]

Originally Posted by epicdweeb

I've been out of college for 11 years, but with bad social anxiety I've had no luck starting a career. I've only had jobs that a temp agency would send me directly to without an interview. They were all data entry jobs that didn't require any experience. My degree is in accounting, but after many interviews in the field I feel like it's not even a good fit for me. Plus at this point I don't think anyone wants to hire someone who got their degree 11 years ago and has never had a job related to it. A while ago my doctor suggested I look into vocational rehab. I've been meaning to call but keep putting it off due to anxiety (I have a severe phone phobia). Does anyone here have any experience with vocational rehab? What could I expect? Would they help me choose a different career path and send me back to school? Would they tell me there's nothing they can do for me?

Thanks!

I went through voc rehab. They were helpful, but very very slow in responding. I found a temp job on my own, then through them found the job I am working at now. I'm not sure if they help people go back to school or not,but I would think so. Good luck!